Screening of lactic acid bacteria with cholesterol-lowering and triglyceride-lowering activity in vitro and evaluation of probiotic function

To screen the lactic acid bacteria with cholesterol-lowering and triglyceride-lowering activity in vitro and evaluate their probiotic function. By plate separating, cholesterol-lowering and triglyceride-lowering activity in vitro were determined; and by evaluating the probiotic functions, including tolerances to simulated gastric and intestinal juice, the antibacterial spectrum, and the adhesion ability to Caco-2 cells, the probiotic strains with cholesterol-lowering and triglyceride-lowering activity in vitro were screened, and then were identified by phenotypical and physiological tests and 16Sr DNA. Finally, the cholesterol-lowering and triglyceride-lowering activity in vivo of the strains were evaluated using male Sprague-Dawley rats. Two strains L2-16 and L2-73 with stronger cholesterol-lowering and triglyceride-lowering activity in vitro, stronger tolerance to simulated gastric and intestinal juice and adhesion ability to Caco-2 cells, and wider antibacterial spectrum were screened from traditional Chinese fermented cucumber and were identified as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Enterococcus faecalis, respectively. Compared with a hyperlipidemia diet without lactic acid bacteria, the diet supplemented with Lactobacillus acidophilus L2-16 and Enterococcus faecalis L2-73 significantly reduced serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and liver total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in rats (P?<?0.05). Moreover, the diet supplemented with Lactobacillus acidophilus L2-16 and Enterococcus faecalis L2-73 significantly increased the fecal elimination of bile acids (P?<?0.05). Lactobacillus acidophilus L2-16 and Enterococcus faecalis L2-73 may have application prospect in the production of some fermented foods such as fermented vegetables, milk, or meat, and probiotic preparations with the function to lower the serum lipid and liver lipid levels.     

Screening for potential probiotic from spontaneously fermented non-dairy foods based on in vitro probiotic and safety properties

The aim of this study was to screen potential probiotic lactic acid bacteria from Chinese spontaneously fermented non-dairy foods by evaluating their probiotic and safety properties. All lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The in vitro probiotic tests included survival under low pH and bile salts, cell surface hydrophobicity, auto-aggregation, co-aggregation, antibacterial activity, and adherence ability to cells. The safety properties were evaluated based on hemolytic activity and antibiotic resistance profile. The salt tolerance, growth in litmus milk, and acidification ability were examined on selected potential probiotic LAB strains to investigate their potential use in food fermentation. A total of 122 strains were isolated and identified at the species level by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and included 62 Lactobacillus plantarum, 40 Weissella cibaria, 12 Lactobacillus brevis, 6 Weissella confusa, and 2 Lactobacillus sakei strains. One W. cibaria and nine L. plantarum isolates were selected based on their tolerance to low pH and bile salts. The hydrophobicity, auto-aggregation, co-aggregation, and antagonistic activities of these isolates varied greatly. All of the 10 selected strains showed multiple antibiotic resistance phenotypes and no hemolytic activity. The highest adhesion capacity to SW480 cells was observed with L. plantarum SK1. The isolates L. plantarum SK1, CB9, and CB10 were the most similar strains to Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and selected for their high salt tolerance and acidifying activity. The results revealed strain-specific probiotic properties were and potential probiotics that can be used in the food industry.     

基于耐酸性与抑菌性效果的益生菌候选菌株体外筛选研究

目的 基于筛选耐酸性强和抑菌效果好的菌株为靶点,为益生菌研发提供优良的候选菌株。考察菌株耐酸性与抑菌性的相关性,为益生菌快速筛选探索新方法。方法 选取62株不同乳杆菌、魏斯菌、粪肠球菌,在酸性程度不同的培养基中采用接种培养的方式研究受试菌株耐酸能力。用大肠埃希菌和金黄色葡萄球菌作为指示菌,采用牛津杯法研究受试菌株的抑菌能力。分析同种细菌的耐酸能力和抑菌能力的相关关系。结果 在酸性环境下,受试菌株存活率超过50%的有22株,耐酸性较强的菌株有DMLA16017、DMLA16116、DMLA16117、DMLA16118和DMLA16131。受试菌株对病原菌的抑菌力较强的有DMLA16017、DMLA16009、DMLA16118、DMLA16002和DMLA15015。结论 鼠李糖乳杆菌DMLA16017和发酵乳杆菌DMLA16118在耐酸性和抑菌性上表现出优良性状。可以通过受试菌株对酸性耐受能力指示受试菌株对病原菌抑制能力,实现对受试菌株的快速筛选。     

近年来益生菌肠道功能作用机制及研究方法的进展

益生菌的功能机制越来越受学者们的关注,尤其是分子水平上的益生菌-宿主相互作用功能机制的研究越来越受关注.本文就益生菌-宿主相互作用机制以及研究方法进行综述.     

Screening lactic acid bacteria from swine origins for multistrain probiotics based on in vitro functional properties

Lactic acid bacteria originated from swine feces and intestines were selected for potential probiotics based on their bile-salt resistance, low pH tolerance, potential adhesion to epithelial cells and especially functional properties, including production of antimicrobial substances, bile-salt hydrolase (BSH) and amylolytic activity. Results showed 7 isolates with antimicrobial activity, 5 with BSH activity and 3 with amylolytic activity were preliminarily selected from 485 lactic acid bacteria based on their highest potential with functional properties in vitro. The 15 isolates were further assayed on the essential characteristics as potential probiotics. All isolates were fully tolerant to 0.3% bile salts and 11 of them were able to resist pH 3 for 3 h without loss of viable cells. The eleven isolates were then evaluated on their adhesion capability. Wide variation in the hydrophobic character and specific adhesion efficiency was observed and three isolates G1-1, G22-2 and G8-5, with respective antimicrobial, BSH and amylolytic activities were finally selected. In addition, the three isolates were compatible in the coexistence assay. Isolate G1-1 was identified as Lactobacillus salivarius by API system and a 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Both G8-5 and G22-2 showed the closest homology to Lactobacillus reuteri according to their 16S rRNA gene sequences (99%). From the study, the three Lactobacilli strains were shown to share the functional properties necessary for probiotics use in animal additives. Their compatibility with respective in vitro activities was expected to show enhanced in vivo efficacy after combination for multistrain probiotics use.     

降解嘌呤核苷乳酸菌的筛选及益生特性探索

【背景】高尿酸血症是人体内嘌呤代谢紊乱导致的一种慢性代谢疾病,利用乳酸菌降解嘌呤类物质是辅助治疗高尿酸血症的新方法。【目的】筛选高效降解嘌呤核苷的乳酸菌并对其益生特性进行研究。【方法】利用HPLC法评价乳酸菌对肌苷、鸟苷的降解效果。通过药敏性试验、体外耐受性试验及细胞黏附试验研究目标菌株的益生特性。【结果】筛选出一株发酵乳杆菌(Lactobacillus fermentum) SR2-6,对肌苷和鸟苷的降解率分别为99.26%和98.85%。该菌株对青霉素、氯霉素等5种常见抗生素不具备耐药性,在pH 2.0环境下处理4 h后菌株的存活率为76.51%,在饱腹状态下的人工肠液模拟消化4 h后活菌数仍能达到6.85 lg (CFU/mL),对Caco-2细胞的黏附数为(52.29±15.14) CFU/cell。【结论】发酵乳杆菌SR2-6能够高效降解肌苷和鸟苷且具有优良的益生特性,是预防和治疗高尿酸血症的潜在优势菌株,可作为优势菌种资源应用于相关功能产品的开发。     

胆盐水解酶产生菌的筛选及其益生潜力研究

目的从健康仔猪肠道及粪便中筛选具有胆盐水解酶活性的优良益生乳杆菌菌株,并对筛选菌株的体外、体内益生潜力进行初步探讨。方法用MRS培养基分别从仔猪新鲜粪便和小肠黏膜分离培养乳酸菌,用筛选鉴别培养基筛选阳性菌株,研究菌株的抗逆能力、黏附特性以及体内益生活性。结果从粪便和小肠黏膜共得到乳酸菌388株和97株,其中胆盐水解酶阳性菌株分别为291株(75%)和86株(89%)。选择5株胆盐水解酶活性最强、能水解游离胆酸的菌株,研究菌株的抗逆能力、黏附特性以及体内益生活性,并对最终选育得到的菌株进行生理生化及16S rRNA分子鉴定,发现菌株罗伊乳杆菌G22-2能耐受pH 3.0的酸度、1.0%的胆盐浓度,在小肠上皮细胞上的黏附效率超过15个以上;通过大鼠体内实验,筛选出的菌株G22-2对大鼠无毒无害,并能显著改善血脂水平。结论罗伊乳杆菌G22-2符合益生菌的要求,可以作为产胆盐水解酶的益生乳杆菌优良的候选菌株。     

An in vitro study of the probiotic potential of a bile-salt-hydrolyzing Lactobacillus fermentum strain,and determination of its cholesterol-lowering properties

This study evaluated the use of a bile-salt-hydrolyzing Lactobacillus fermentum strain as a probiotic with potential hypocholesterolemic properties. The effect of L. fermentum on representative microbial populations and overall metabolic activity of the human intestinal microbiota was investigated using a three-stage continuous culture system. Also, the use of galactooligosaccharides as a prebiotic to enhance growth and/or activity of the Lactobacillus strain was evaluated. Administration of L. fermentum resulted in a decrease in the overall bifidobacterial population (ca. 1 log unit). In the in vitro system, no significant changes were observed in the total bacterial, Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, and clostridial populations through L. fermentum supplementation. Acetate production decreased by 9 to 27%, while the propionate and butyrate concentrations increased considerably (50 to 90% and 52 to 157%, respectively). A general, although lesser, increase in the production of lactate was observed with the administration of the L. fermentum strain. Supplementation of the prebiotic to the culture medium did not cause statistically significant changes in either the numbers or the activity of the microbiota, although an increase in the butyrate production was seen (29 to 39%). Results from this in vitro study suggest that L. fermentum KC5b is a candidate probiotic which may affect cholesterol metabolism. The short-chain fatty acid concentrations, specifically the molar proportion of propionate and/or bile salt deconjugation, are probably the major mechanism involved in the purported cholesterol-lowering properties of this strain.     

Betulinic acid induces apoptosis and suppresses metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines in vitro and in vivo

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a high incidence and mortality malignant tumour globally. Betulinic acid (BA) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid with potential pro‐apoptotic activities which widely found in many plants. In this study, we determined the effects of BA on proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis in HCC cell lines and on tumour growth and pulmonary metastasis in mice. The results suggested that BA could inhibit cell viability and proliferation of HCC cell lines including HepG2, LM3, and MHCC97H. In addition, BA induced apoptosis of HepG2 cells characterised condensed nuclei and nuclear fragmentation. Moreover, western blot analysis showed that BA‐induced apoptosis associated with increasing of pro‐apoptotic protein Bax and cleaved caspase‐3 and decreasing of anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐2. Meanwhile, BA also reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Furthermore, BA also significantly inhibited HCC growth in vivo and blocked pulmonary metastasis of HCC by regulating the metastasis‐related proteins including MMP‐2, MMP‐9, and TIMP2 without obvious toxicity. In all, the present study suggested that BA might be a promising anti‐HCC drug candidate by inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and blocking metastasis.     

Screening of potential probiotic lactic acid bacteria and production of amylase and its partial purification

Probiotics are the healthy living bacteria when administered in adequate amounts confers health benefits in the host. The main objective of present study was to screen the bacteria for potential probiotic characters and enzyme production. The probiotic characters like tolerance to low pH, bile salts, antibiotic sensitivity, hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation properties were evaluated. Among all isolates Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus sp G3_4_1TO2 showed maximum potential probiotic characters and produced amylase enzyme by observing the halo zone around the colonies with the diameter 0.9?mm and 1.23?mm. Lactobacillus sp G3_4_1TO2 produced maximum amylase when compared with Lb. fermentum. The protein yield was 55.4% with the specific activity of 88.9 U/mg and obtained 40.8% purification fold. The molecular weight of amylase enzyme determined by SDS PAGE was 95,000?Da. From the present study it was considered that Lactobacillus sp G3_4_1TO2 was a potential probiotic bacteria producing maximum amylase enzyme.     

Genetically encoded sensors for measuring histamine release both in vitro and in vivo

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A sensitive GRAB sensor for detecting extracellular ATP in vitro and in vivo

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The red wine component ellagic acid induces autophagy and exhibits anti‐lung cancer activity in vitro and in vivo

Red wine consists of a large amount of compounds such as resveratrol, which exhibits chemopreventive and therapeutic effects against several types of cancers by targeting cancer driver molecules. In this study, we tested the anti‐lung cancer activity of 11 red wine components and reported that a natural polyphenol compound ellagic acid (EA) inhibited lung cancer cell proliferation at an efficacy approximately equal to that of resveratrol. EA markedly increased the expression of the autophagosomal marker LC3‐II as well as inactivation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin signalling pathway. EA elevated autophagy‐associated cell death by down‐regulating the expression of cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (CIP2A), and CIP2A overexpression attenuated EA‐induced autophagy of lung cancer cells. Treating tumour‐bearing mice with EA resulted in significant inhibition of tumour growth with suppression of CIP2A levels and increased autophagy. In addition, EA potentiated the inhibitory effects of the natural compound celastrol on lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo by enhancing autophagy and down‐regulating CIP2A. These findings indicate that EA may be a promising chemotherapeutic agent for lung cancer, and that the combination of EA and celastrol may have applicability for the treatment of this disease.     

Effects of deoxycholic acid and its epimers on lipid peroxidation in isolated rat hepatocytes

We studied the effects of deoxycholic acid and its three epimers with beta-hydroxyl groups (3alpha,12beta-, 3beta,12alpha-, and 3beta,12beta-dihydroxy-5beta-cholan-24-oic acids), which were hydrophilic and less cytotoxic, on lipid peroxidation to elucidate the relationship between structural features of bile acids and their effect on lipid peroxidation. Taurodeoxycholate markedly increased the production of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, end products of lipid peroxidation, in isolated rat hepatocytes, whereas epimers of taurodeoxycholate did not. Deoxycholic acid inhibited mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase and NADH:ferricytochrome c oxidoreductase activities, leading to free radical generation, whereas epimers of deoxycholic acid had no effect on mitochondrial enzymes. These findings suggested that hydrophobic bile acids cause lipid peroxidation by impairment of mitochondrial function, leading to the generation of free radicals; and epimerization of alpha-hydroxyl groups in the steroid nucleus to beta-hydroxyl groups results in a decrease of the toxic effects of deoxycholic acid on lipid peroxidation.     

Purification of a novel peptide derived from Mytilus coruscus and in vitro/in vivo evaluation of its bioactive properties

Excess oxidant can promote inflammatory responses. Moreover, chronic inflammation accompanied by oxidative stress is connected various steps involved in many diseases. From the aspect, we investigated an antioxidant peptide to prevent inflammatory response against oxidant overexpression. To prepare the peptide, eight proteases were employed for enzymatic hydrolysis, and the antioxidant properties of the hydrolysates were investigated using free radical scavenging activity by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometry. Papain hydrolysates, which showed clearly superior free radical scavenging activity, were further purified using consecutive chromatographic methods. Finally, a novel antioxidant peptide was obtained, and the sequence was identified as Ser-Leu-Pro-Ile-Gly-Leu-Met-Ile-Ala-Met at N-terminal. Oral administration of the peptide to mice effectively inhibited malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in a thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay, and we also confirmed the antioxidative enzyme activities in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) assays. This is the first report of an antioxidant peptide derived from the hydrolysate of Mytilus coruscus, and also these results suggest that the peptide possesses potent antioxidant activity, and potential to enhance anti-inflammatory response.     

A <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus subtilis</Emphasis> strain as probiotic in poultry: selection based on in vitro functional properties and enzymatic potentialities

We have proposed and validate an in vitro probiotic selection, based on enzymatic potentialities associated to well-established probiotic functional properties. A new Bacillus subtilis HB2 isolate, selected based on its high extracellular enzyme production, was chosen as a probiotic candidate for application as animal feed supplement. The HB2 strain showed an excellent acid and bile salts tolerance, a strong adhesion to chick enterocytes and produced antimicrobials against pathogens. An in vivo trial in poultry farming was conducted to evaluate the HB2 probiotic performance. After 35 days, HB2 achieved the higher growth performance than the control groups. The mortality and the feed conversion ratio were significantly decreased. Finally, the HB2 treated group showed wet litter and less severe ammonia odor in the atmosphere. Our study provides new insights into the importance of enzymatic potentialities, associated with the common functional properties, as a novel approach for probiotic selection.     

Y-shaped probe for convenient and label-free detection of microRNA-21 in vitro

A simple, highly selective, and label-free microRNA (miRNA) detection method based on l-alanine-reduced graphene oxide fluorescence quenching with a Y-shaped probe is proposed. The Y-shaped probe was synthesized by silver nitrate and a cytosine-rich molecular beacon (MB) in two terminals through sodium borohydride reduction, which generated a stronger fluorescent signal than ordinary DNA-templated silver nanoclusters (AgNCs). Meanwhile, the Y-shaped probe contained a single-stranded loop structure, which could be superbly adsorbed onto the surface of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) via π–π stacking interaction, and this special structure of the probe was designed to improve its sensitivity and selectivity. In addition, the quenching capacities of graphene oxide (GO) and RGO were compared in this research. The strong interaction between nucleobases of the loop structure and RGO nanosheet made the MB-AgNCs-RGO system exhibit minimal background fluorescence. In the presence of miRNA-21, the loop structure of the Y-shaped probe can hybridize with target miRNA-21; the molecular beacon encapsulated probe is far away from RGO surface and produces a detectable signal. The MB-AgNCs based approach provides a label-free avenue to detect miRNA with high selectivity and good reproducibility, which has a promising application in early clinical diagnosis and biomedical research.